An assessment team from CALEA came to Berlin Saturday to examine all aspects of the department from policy and procedures to operations.

Assessors from CALEA evaluated records and written materials, and conducted interviews with officers from the Berlin Police Department to ensure that the department meets CALEA's requirements.

According to Klett, assessors may have done a ride along with members of the department in addition to checking internal affairs, use of force and fiscal management.

The CALEA assessment team is made up of several retired and acting police officers from departments across the United States.

Berlin's department will have to comply with 308 of CALEA's 445 standards in order to receive accreditation.

"We're in compliance with 93 percent of the required standards," Lieutenant John Klett said. "You have to live your policies and procedures," he added.

The department won't receive the other 42 points because they either don't apply because of the department's size or specific function.

The Berlin Police Department is currently complying with 403 standards allotted by CALEA, exceeding their requirements by almost 100 points.

Departments willingly participate in the accreditation program and the evaluations are conducted every three years. Berlin's last on-site accreditation was in January 2004.

One of the larger benefits of becoming accredited by CALEA includes the town receiving better rates on its liability insurance.

The commission will vote on whether or not to award the department accreditation.

Klett expects the department to receive its accreditation in March 2007 at the CALEA commission meeting in North Carolina.

Jason Pheasant can be reached at jpheasant@newbritainherald.com, or by calling (860) 225-4601, Ext. 231.